Meryem Hanne Erbil, Who Lost Her Family and Right Arm in the February 6 Earthquake, Became the Turkish Champion in Athletics

Meryem Hanne Erbil, who struggled for survival for three days under the rubble in Adıyaman during the February 6 earthquakes, lost her mother, father, and little brother. The young athlete, who also lost her right arm in the devastating disaster she experienced, managed to hold on to life and sports despite all hardships. She did not quit the sports life she started approximately 11 years ago in fencing even after this extraordinary pain. Having achieved third place in Turkey in fencing with her right arm, the successful athlete decided to return to the field by overcoming the physical and psychological traumas she experienced. With her superior perseverance and determination, Erbil became a source of inspiration for those around her.

While continuing fencing with the guidance of her coaches after the earthquake, Meryem Hanne Erbil also stepped into athletics. Stating that trying different sports upon the advice of her fencing coaches was highly beneficial for her, Erbil experienced the excitement of discovering her talent in athletics. Realizing that she was particularly talented in javelin throw and shot put in this new branch, the young athlete maintained her belief that she could succeed by doing what she loved. Even though she was a very new athlete in athletics, she continued her training in a disciplined manner. She tried to alleviate the heavy psychological burden brought by her losses by exercising and focusing on her goals.

The Para Athletics Turkish Championship, held in Diyarbakır with the participation of a total of 69 athletes, became a major turning point for Meryem Hanne Erbil. The young athlete, who had the opportunity to compete in the U20 category in this significant organization, drew all attention with her performance. Competing with her left arm in the championship, she achieved tremendous success in the 100-meter run, shot put, and javelin throw. Reaching the top in three different branches, she became the owner of three gold medals and experienced great pride. These results stood out as the clearest proof of her incredible perseverance and unchanging determination in her sports life.

Returning to Adıyaman after her achievements, Meryem Hanne Erbil continues her training without a break. Increasing her passion for sports day by day, Erbil works intensely by going to the training fields almost every day. According to her own statements, her first goal is to participate in the Olympic trial competitions to be held in January to test her performance at an international level. In February, she desires to gain experience by participating in the international tournament to be held in Dubai city, United Arab Emirates. These steps constitute the critical stairs she solidifies towards her larger career goals.

The young athlete, who has much larger visions for the future, aims to represent her country in the best way possible in the international arena. She lists participating in the World Championships to be held in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan respectively in 2027 among her critical goals. She emphasizes that she continues to work with all her strength to compete and win a medal in the 2028 Summer Olympics, which is the ultimate dream of all athletes. Wishing to make the name of her country and province known to the world, Erbil sincerely thanks everyone who supported her on this path. With the pride she feels in her achievements and her unwavering belief in the future, she is expected to represent Turkey on the Paralympic stage in the coming years.